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4. Fatale (Image Comics)

Writer: Ed BrubakerArtist: Sean Philips

Any other year this list would be filled with superhero titles from Ed Brubaker; however, as the superstar writer begins to move away from that genre to concentrate on his creator-owned work, we’re left with Fatale, one of the surprise hits of the year. Mixing noir with fantasy and horror, Fatale explores the mysterious life of a woman named Josephine.

In the present day, Josephine meets Nicolas Lash, whose life is immediately changed forever as a result. We then journey back to the 1950s, where Josephine is not only still alive, but she’s the same exact age. We don't know why or how, but it's a gripping mystery that drives the whole narrative.

From there, Brubaker and Philips introduce us to elements of pulp and horror that serve to add to the overall tale, not dominate it. The plot is thick and complex, with a few issues needing to be re-read in order to grasp all of it, but once you digest the story we’re positive you won’t be disappointed.

A few weeks ago, the second story arc of the title launched, and it features a new time period and cast. Now that Brubaker’s full narrative is beginning to become clearer, Fatale looks like it’s just now beginning to hit its stride.

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